Ards and North Down is one of the top 100 global sustainable destinations. At its heart, helping you explore, are the local Visitor Information Centres (VICs) with enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff, who are on hand to highlight sustainable options for visitors.
From beautiful walking and cycling routes, unique local food and drink, rich wildlife to diverse history and culture, the region has it all. Low carbon travel options as well as excellent visitor experiences and green accommodation providers are waiting to be discovered.
The VICs should be the first stop in Ards and North Down - each is unique in its own right and they are all worth a visit to orientate yourself and decide what to do and see.
The VICs have to hand the full list of the area’s experiences, attractions, events and guided tours, with access to information from across Northern Ireland. An extensive range of souvenirs and gifts are on display, with an emphasis on locally produced – from local kelp products, to local and organic soaps and candles.
Ards VIC is the gateway to the Peninsula, located in the bustling market town of Newtownards. The spacious centre and previous Green Tourism Award winner, will fill you with ideas to plan your itinerary, making sure not to miss any must see places or must do experiences along the way.
Bangor VIC is located in a listed Century Tower House, dating back to 1637, a well preserved reminder of Bangor’s sea-faring history. It’s been a Custom House, private dwellings, antique shop and hot sea water baths. Today the Centre is full of inspiring ideas as well as souvenirs and gifts.
In Portaferry, a Local Visitor Information Office is located in Exploris Aquarium.
Ards and North Down is jam-packed with things to do. Find out more about our Visitor Information Centres.
The Green Tourism programme was funded by the Council’s Recycling Community Investment Fund - a scheme which is powered by the recycling efforts of local residents and businesses. Thanks to an increased amount of recycling by the local community, almost £15M has been saved in landfill costs since the programme’s inception. These savings have allowed the Council to create the RCIF which supports new and existing environmentally friendly initiatives.
